Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

14:52
Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers
Published on: January 13, 2018
Teaching anaesthetics in the operating theatre
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
|August 1, 1977
Summary
Trainee anaesthetists' behavior and vigilance remain unchanged with or without a tutor present. Operating theatre teaching is a legitimate activity that does not compromise patient care during anaesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Patient safety during anaesthesia is paramount.
- Tutors often supervise trainee anaesthetists to enhance skills.
- The impact of teaching on trainee activity and vigilance is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate trainee anaesthetist behavior patterns with and without tutor presence.
- To determine if operating theatre teaching affects trainee activity and vigilance.
- To assess the legitimacy of anaesthetics teaching in the operating theatre.
Main Methods:
- Observational study comparing trainee anaesthetist behavior.
- Analysis of activity patterns and vigilance.
- Comparison between sessions with and without tutor presence.
Main Results:
- Trainee anaesthetist behavior patterns were unaffected by tutor presence.
- No significant difference in activity or vigilance was observed.
- Teaching did not interfere with the trainee's primary role in patient care.
Conclusions:
- Operating theatre teaching for anaesthetics is a valid practice.
- Tutor presence does not alter trainee anaesthetist behavior or vigilance.
- Anaesthetics training can occur without compromising patient care standards.
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
General Anesthesia: Overview
Anesthesia is a medical procedure that uses drugs for CNS suppression to enable painless surgeries and procedures. The selection of anesthetics is influenced by their pharmacokinetic properties, side effects, and patient characteristics. Various types of anesthesia include general, local, regional, spinal, and inhalational.
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Stages of General Anesthesia
Various sedation levels offer significant advantages in facilitating procedural interventions for patients undergoing medical or invasive surgical procedures. These levels span from anxiolysis to general anesthesia, providing a spectrum of sedative effects to cater to specific patient needs. Anxiolysis reduces anxiety and is achieved through minimal sedation, enabling patients to remain awake and responsive while feeling more at ease during the procedure. This level can benefit minor...
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Intravenous anesthetics are drugs administered parenterally to induce anesthesia or sedation. Propofol is a widely used agent formulated as a 1% emulsion in soybean oil, glycerol, and egg phosphatide. It induces rapid anesthesia primarily due to its rapid distribution from the bloodstream to target tissues and is metabolized in the liver. However, it can cause significant pain on injection and hypertriglyceridemia. Fospropofol, a water-based prodrug of propofol, lacks these adverse effects.
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Inhalation anesthetics are drugs that induce general anesthesia upon inhalation. They work by increasing the sensitivity of GABAA receptors or inhibiting NMDA receptors, leading to a decrease in central nervous system activity. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly adjusted by changing the concentration of the inhaled gas. Some common examples of inhalational anesthetics include volatile liquids like isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane and gases like xenon and nitrous oxide. Isoflurane, a...

